Can the Bee Organized General Release be changed orally?

Based on the 2025 Bee Organized Franchise Disclosure Document, the general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer cannot be changed orally, especially concerning liabilities under specific state franchise laws. The FDD includes amendments for Maryland and New York, explicitly stating that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on franchisor statements. This provision supersedes any other term in any document related to the franchise agreement. These stipulations are designed to protect franchisees' rights under state laws, ensuring that franchisees cannot inadvertently waive these rights through informal agreements or acknowledgments.

For franchisees in Maryland and New York, these amendments provide additional protection by ensuring that the general release does not compromise their rights under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law or the New York General Business Law. The amendments specifically state that franchisees can bring lawsuits in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, and any claims must be brought within three years after the franchise grant. Similarly, New York law ensures that franchisees do not waive any rights conferred upon them by the New York General Business Law.

These provisions highlight the importance of written agreements and the limitations placed on waivers or releases, particularly concerning state franchise laws. A prospective Bee Organized franchisee should be aware that any modifications or waivers to their rights must be documented in writing and comply with the specific legal requirements of their state. This ensures that their rights are fully protected and enforceable under the franchise agreement.